Celebrating 20 Years

December 2015 / VOL. 19 NO. 12 VOL. XX - NO. 01 - JANUARY 2016

Sowing Seeds of Peace times, and values its have to fall back on is our humanity. It is role as a holistic Ms. Sanjna Kapoor, this power of reasoning and empathy educator… a theatre personality that we need to evoke in our children. A few days later, I was and cofounder of And, I believe there is another critical overwhelmed at the Junoon, wrote this warmth and sense of ingredient- imagination. Pastor’s Corner column in THE So, in my small way, with Junoon, I hope I experienced at a WEEK dated contribute to this world by working with reception of the Freedom Theatre School November 29, 2015, children. I am in the midst of weekend students at the Palestinian Embassy in entitled 'Living with Terror'. I was so awed worships in Gurgaon with children aged Delhi. Six students with two teachers and moved, I thought it was the best nine to twelve. In the midst of all this from Jenin in Palestine, are working with reflection for a New Year message wherein gloom, I get such energy from this Jana Natya Manch (JANAM) to create a we speak of peace. The article is not just work… One of the most amazing street theatre piece that will travel across about 'living with terror', but 'sowing seeds moments was when Ajay spoke about eleven cities later this year. Both these of peace' in challenging situations. Wish his work as a filmmaker with Seeds of unique theatre organizations have lost you a Peace filled, Joy filled and Mercy Peace, an organization that works at their leader to brutal assassinations… filled New Year 2016. +Lumen, CSC conflict resolution with youth from today both these groups collaborate to Ms. Kapoor writes: "I am struggling to hostile regions. Ajay shared his sow seeds of peace and greater string words together to make sense of all experience in Palestine--the birthplace understanding across countries…" that is going on across the world. All I can of three major religions of the world, think of is our children, our hope for a more namely Judaism, and Islam, The 225th issue of LINK, our humble humane tomorrow. Unfortunately, ISIS, and yet it had been in a state of conflict Newsletter, finds its way into your Inbox too, is looking at children. It wants to for a millennia. He asked the children to as we open the New Year 2016. I want to recruit children into its evil doctrine. So, do some research on this and try to remind our Readers that since the first our counter 'indoctrination' needs to bear understand the causes for this state of issue in July 1996 then just two sheets of the wisdom of farsighted consequences. I turmoil. Clearly, this is not a school that cyclostyled paper containing the Report do not believe violence met with more shies away from the stark reality of our of the Clergy Meeting and the Bishop's violence can ever create true peace. All we Engagements today's LINK has news No Longer a 'Young Diocese'! items and snippets dotted with pictures and reports. Thanks in particular to Fr. Lying on the floor, his that has been, for his care and mercy Prasad the designer and Fr. P.J. Joseph deathbed, Francis of Assisi, despite our failings. We realize the year who churns out those Editorials month told his followers who asked ahead is also another after month. I am proud yet humbled to acknowledge that we have been him if he had something to tell opportunity He gives rigorously regular in bringing out the them, “Brothers, we have done us to 'begin again', to Editorial nothing; let us begin”. While LINK on the first day of each month. And make amends, restore we shall try our best this year too! ordinary mortals like us seem rather broken relationships, contented with our puny exploits, those Wishing you all a Joy filled, Peace filled, remember forgotten and Mercy filled New Year. like Francis seem to be afflicted by a prayers, and rekindle +Lumen, CSC hunger 'to begin again' because in their within us dying eyes, all they have done is 'nothing.' embers of warmth, It is a doubly poignant consideration for us sensitivity and has happened but because our hunger for not only having just stepped into a New compassion. miracles has not died. We have seen them Year, but having also completed this As a grown up Diocese twenty years - sown seeds yielding harvest - thirty January two decades as a Diocese. old, we bow our heads in gratitude to fold, sixty fold, and hundred fold! We th Since that exhilarating 11 day of January God and marvel at the work He is doing have seen the smallest of seeds turning in 1996, we have come past 19 Januarys. in our midst. We thank Him for our into the mightiest of shrubs. Sheer habit made us refer to ourselves as a Bishop Lumen whom He has kept as the As Time's winged chariot continues to 'young Diocese' into a few extra years head of the flock for twenty years now hurry past and as we, yielding to even, hardly noticing that the Diocese had and for his many qualities of the heart inescapable changes recede into horizons outgrown its need of the adjective and and head that certainly are an asset for yonder, God fulfils His miracle in many perhaps thus gave away a bit of ourselves, the Diocese. ways. We, miracle watchers on the shore unwittingly. We want this Diocesan Jubilee to be a of Time sometimes call it 'twenty years', Having arrived at the start of another year 'New Beginning' not because nothing sometimes 'twenty centuries'. Happy we cannot but thank Almighty God for all New Year! J. Pulinthanath, SDB Christo Mela 2016 [ 2 ]

KHUMULWNG PARISH ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI PARISH, GACHIRAMPARA Tuikarmaw and Kathliya. One of the main purposes of Inter- SCC Zonal Meeting Youth Convention Religious Christmas Mela at St. Alphonsa St. Mary's parish Tuikarmaw organized three days youth convention on the Parish is to unite and minimize the ill-talks th th st among different denominations in addition following days 19 20 and 21 December to spreading the message of Christmas. It 2015. The Theme of the youth convention was miracle that most of the denominations was COME TO ME. The theme was chosen and faiths such as Baptists, Believers, keeping in mind the year of Mercy. Fr. Assembly of God, New Life Baptist Pradeep from Kolkata animated the On 25th November a Zonal meeting on sessions for the youth. There were sessions Council and Hindus participated in SCCs was organised at Gachirampara Christmas Mela held on 18th and 19th on importance of youth leadership in the Parish. Fr. Lancy, CSC, the Secretary for , importance of the sacrament of December. The Christmas Mela began with SCCs, Fr. Bosco Family Commission Christmas Carols and Prayer service marriage, how youth can bring difference in Secretary, Fr. Arul, CSC, Zonal the society. Every evening competitions followed by formal inauguration by Bishop Coordinator and Fr. Ishwar were also Lumen Monteiro by switching on the lights like bible skit, bible quiz, dance, and singing present for the meeting along with their were conducted and winners were given in the crib. Different denominational group representatives. The programme started singing, dancing and drama on Christmas prizes at the end of the convention. There with Bible sharing followed by welcome was special time set for the youth to seized the hearts of the audience. Leaders speech by Fr. Prasanna and sharing by from different faiths delivered Christmas experience mercy and compassion of God each parish on progress and an Action through the sacrament of reconciliation. messages. We are happy that the inter- Plan. The meeting ended at 2.30 with a religious Christmas Mela is an instrument There were 100 youth participated in this fellowship meal. youth convention. Fr. Alfred, CSC bringing different people together on the Fr. Prasanna Kumar, OFM Cap Catholic platform. Fr. Arun Minj, SVD HOLY SPIRIT PARISH, AMBASSA ST. RAPHAEL PARISH, KAMARANGA St. Arnold Kachucherra TUIKARMAW PARISH Village Church blessing: Blessed Christ the King Procession was trod and are the poor Holy Mass was offered by more than 400 A Village Chapel was blessed by Bishop people in St. Arnold Lumen Monteiro on the 29th of November Kachucherra, at Srirampur 20kms from Ambassa Parish. The Kamranga/Kamolpur. The Chapel was faithful gathered in entirely designed, funded and constructed Boloram Market, 4 by the parishioners. It is an example of kilometers away faith sharing and mutual help. The Chapel from the Parish St. Mary's Parish Tuikarmaw organized is dedicated to the memory of Blessed Centre to begin their Christo Mela on 21st December in Mother Teresa of Kolkatta, the apostle of procession with a hymn to the Holy Spirit. collaboration with seven other Christian the poorest of the poor. 13 catechumens As they began some were hesitant, few were denominations from South Tripura District. were baptized on this occasion. The joy cautious and others were exited to cover the The theme was 'The Word Became Flesh and of the occasion was shared in a common 4 kilometers to reach the destination. Dwelt among Us'. It was a moment of joy meal prepared by the non- Christians of Politically engrossed onlookers thought it and a sign of unity. Shri. Manindra Reang the village. could certainly be an election march by a the Honorable Minister for Jail and PGP was Fr. Joachim & Cyprian, SVD tribal party. As the procession was moving the Chief Guest for the occasion. In his in lines on the sub-way of Kachucherra all address he hailed the services of Christian ST. MARY'S PARISH, TUIKARMAW were enthused to sing and pray. Just having missionaries in Tripura and assured his New Mondoli at Debdar finished the Diocesan level Mega support to our work and ministry. Bishop The season of Advent has been a great joy Procession at Nandanagar in Agartala, the Lumen Monteiro CSC, was the Special for the Faithful of St. faithful were inspired to join in this Guest. In his message he said that just as the Mary's Parish procession to praise Christ the King. Thanks shepherds were heralds of Jesus' birth every Tuikarmaw. During to Kachuchera village leaders who worked Christian must witness to Jesus Christ in this season the one tirelessly to make this occasion more words and deeds. Each church leader more new mondoli is meaningful. News Desk, Ambassa addressed the gathering. There was Carol added to the parish. GOOD SHEPHERD PARISH, KATHALCHERRA Competition for inter churches and prizes The name of the new were distributed. At the end of the formal mondoli is Debdar in SCC Parish Unit Leaders' Seminar nd program there was cultural entrainment Rajnagar Block In the sub Division of On 22 of November a parish level SCC including an orchestra that performed for the Belonia. The new mondoli was unit leaders' Seminar was conducted by Fr. whole night. Fr. Alfred, CSC th inaugurated on 17 December 2015. On Lancy D'Souza, this day nine people were baptized and CSC. The leaders of were given Holy Communion. This new the SCC's came from mondoli is located 50 kilometers away different villages within the parish to

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S CSC the parish Priest and the Catechist strengthen the faith and the other few faithful from Diocese News Roundup [ 3 ] of the people, the importance and necessities of the word of God in life, the role and A GARTALA DIOCESE represented by Fr. Cyprian and Fr. Harry. responsibility of the SCC leaders were taught COMMENCES 'YEAR OF MERCY' Another inter-faith dialogue Meeting in the Seminar. It was an enriching experience CELEBRATIONS with the theme “One God: the Creator and for the leaders to work effectively at their The central door of the Father of all” was organized by the respective villages. Don Bosco Church at Commission for Ecumenism and Dialogue Priestly Ordination Nandan Nagar at Ambassa St. Arnold Higher Secondary On 12th December we had the long awaited became the 'Holy School on the 25th November. A group of mega event, the Priestly Ordination of Fr. Door of Mercy' for the people representing different religions Gabriel Darlong, CSC, son of Diocese of Agartala from Agartala Town took part in this Late Thlangkhama Darlong when Bishop Lumen Meeting. Swami Hitakarananda Maharaj and Mrs. Rualmawii Darlong Monteiro CSC, DD, the Secretary of Ramakrishna Mission, from Puranbari Village. He is opened it to the Agartala, was the Chief Guest. Leaders the second tribal priest from faithful in a specially from Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, Baha'i Tripura in Holy Cross held ceremony on 13th and Christianity shared their views on the Congregation. He was December 2015 in the topic. The conclusion was, though we ordained priest by our Bishop presence of a large belong to different religions we are united Lumen Monteiro, CSC, DD, number of priests, religious and in “one God: the creator and the father of the Bishop of Agartala. Many priests, parishioners. The symbolic ceremony and all.” The speakers emphasized action for religious and laity from different parishes and the Holy Eucharist that followed signaled common good, peace and harmony in our villages attended the program. This Agartala Diocese joining Catholic neighborhood. Over hundred people Ordination has strengthened the faith of the Dioceses and Bishops all over the world attended the Meeting. Fr. Cyprian, SVD people and inspired many young people. who on that same day, at the behest of THANKS to Fr. Lancy, CSC, the parish priest, , opened 'Doors of Mercy' in PARENTS' DAY AT HOLY SPIRIT Bethany and Visitation Sisters and the their respective Dioceses. SCHOOL, BELONIA The Holy Door is a help devised in order parishioners. Holy Spirit School was established in to enable people to encounter Jesus during Fr. Ishwar, CSC Belonia in this year. Those who, as part of a ST. ALPHONSA PARISH, KHUMULWNG 2010, by pilgrimage, pass through a designated Bishop opens the Door of Faith as Pope the Holy Door can obtain a Plenary Francis opens the Door of Mercy Missionar if they are properly disposed, At least 15 families entered the Catholic faith y Sisters have gone to confession, receive the and about 22 received Servant of Eucharist, and pray for the intentions of Confirmation as Bishop the Holy the Pope. Lumen Monteiro blessed Spirit (SSpS). Soon the school picked up 90 The Parish Priest of the Church designate, and dedicated a village students and started. Through the hard work Fr. Sunny SDB, said that all possible chapel at Champabari and dedication of the pioneers, today it has arrangements would be made so that village under St. reached class up to Class VI with 400 pilgrims who come will have an Alphonsa Parish students. 'experience of meeting the merciful Lord'. Khumulwng. The village chapel was The school Motto “Learn and Light” The Coordination Committee of the Year constructed by local contribution from the became a reality this Parents Day with of Mercy formed with Fr. Sunny as the parishioners. The old village was situated in everyone doing their best for the programs. Coordinator has already chalked out a an isolated and interior location. The only Hurrah! There was a perfection, joy and co- number of steps to ensure that everyone way to the isolated village was river outlet. operation. From the tiny tots to the older spends a spiritually enriching year ahead. The village was shifted closer to the human ones the harmony, peace and joy was Other programs planned include group habitation by providing a house, water supply experienced by all. The Parents' Day wise retreats and pilgrimages. YoM Desk th and road by the Government. The villagers celebrated on 20 November at Town Hall were hungry and thirsty for the Word of God, in Belonia became a reality. Our and their faith prompted them to construct a INTER RELIGIOUS DIALOGUE distinguished guests were the Additional village chapel. It is truly the symbol of On the occasion of Baha'i temple District Magistrate Sri Ravel Kumar, Most peoples' Church. Fr. Arun Minj SVD foundation stone laying at Borjola, on Rev. Lumen Monteiro Bishop of Agartala, 14th November different religious heads of MLA Sri Basudev Majumder, Sr. Prabha ST. PAUL PARISH, KUMARGHAT Agartala namely, Christian, Buddhist, the Provincial and other dignitaries. It was Two Day Annual Retreat Hindu and Islam participated in a short an opportunity for the parents to know that The faithful of Kumarghat Parish gathered at function in which we shared our deep when students are led to be creative, the parish Church for a two-day Annual religious convictions in One God, the contemplative and imaginative, they excel Retreat on November 28-29 in preparation for Creator and the Father of all. We in all round development and the result will Christmas. Fr. Bennet and Fr. Satish were the acknowledged our common origin and be colorful as it was on Parents' Day 2015. preachers. There were about two hundred of destiny. Religion may divide us but Sr. Preethi, SSpS them who gathered for the Retreat in spite of spirituality unites us. The need of the hour the harvest season. The Retreat was well blend is to promote peace and harmony among “BRINGING SMILES AT with the powerful preaching of Fr. Satish and all religions and work for the integral CHRISTMAS” has been a special Spirit-filled Charismatic praise and worship development of all people without any project undertaken by the Auxilium School of Fr. Bennet. It was a time of renewal for the discrimination. All speakers laid Nandanagar, which was a great motivating faithful, especially after the Sacrament of emphasis on taking care of the creation force to all our students, teachers, parents Reconciliation. The Retreat came to an end and promoting shared core values of all and guardians, to reach out to many people with Adoration and healing prayer followed religions. was who are poor and suffering, aged and by agape. Regent Lawrence CSC Diocese News Roundup JUST News Roundup [ 4 ]

orphans, etc. The School collected Rs JUST distributes 70 Solar lights to Hostel Students 70,000/- for the On 8th October 2015, Magsaysay Award Winner Mr. Francis flood affected Kulandai the founder and Director of IVDP visited St. John's Hostel people of at Belbari along with Fr. Jeevan Kennady the Directot of JUST and Chennai. Class the Coordinator which is run by one of the SHG members. Mr. XII students along Francis seeing the children studying with candle lights, decided to with sisters and give 70 solar lights to the Hostel students of ST. John's Hostel so that they can study teachers visited well with the help of solar lights. As he promised Mr. Francis donated 70 solar lights to Abalamban, a home for the aged and spent a St. John's Hostel students, then it was distributed by Sr. Amali the Chief Coordinator of day with about 50 old people bringing smiles JUST and the Coordinator of IHDP Mr. Robert Lushai on 17th November 2015 to all the to them. Hostel students, together with students at St. John's Hostel ,Belbari. Sr. Amali told the students to make best use of the sisters and teachers visited Athukiri and solar lights so that they could reach to the heights of success in their exams. The Hostel Tomakari Villages, interacted with poor Director Mr. Shubani Debbarma and the students expressed their heartfelt thanks to people, distributed second hand clothes and IVDP and JUST for rendering their help and support to St. John's Hostel. food items. Naba Prantik, a home for the Medical Camp at 4 IDP Relief Camps orphans, street children and destitute women JUST assisted by KFB, Austria conducted 4 Health Camps at 4 Bru caters to the needs of these people. Each of IDP relief camps namely Ashapara, Naisingpara, Hazacherra and the inmates of Nabaprantik received a Naisaupara under North District, Tripura on 28th and 30th special gift beautifully wrapped and November, 2015. Dr. Laljoy Reang, MBBS from Vanghmun PHC specially prepared. They also got second along with his medical staff treated the patients. Around 629 hand clothes and stationeries like books, patients were treated and distributed free medicines out of which pens, pencils, erasers. The school also 285 were male and 344 were female. Most of the patients who attended the medical donated 150 kg rice, 12 kg pulses, 40 packets camps were suffering from Fever, Stomach ache, Dhiarhoae, Headache, and Scabies, of biscuits, 10 kg puffed rice and 12 kg etc. Mr. Vincent Debbarma detergent. Sr. Rihun, FMA was the chief guest at the gathering International Charlemagne Prize of organized by the Catholic Bishops' Aachen, the oldest and best-known prize National News Roundup Conference of India (CBCI) at its awarded for work done in the service of Christianity, India share same headquarters in the national capital on European unification. The announcement culture, tradition December 17. Leaders from various was made in the city of Aachen; the Pope India will not allow any injustice to happen to Christian denominations, members of will physically receive the award at a date Christians, federal parliament, diplomats, and media persons still to be set, in Rome. Home Minister attended the gathering. mattersindia.com A communiqué by the Prize Committee Rajnath Singh said Archbishop Leo Cornelio SVD, of said that Pope Francis has sent “a message amid allegations that of hope and encouragement" at a time in Bhopal received the prestigious the government which "many citizens in Europe are seeking International Human Rights Award for the condones increasing orientation.” It says “The Pope is a witness year 2015 at the India Islamic Centre, New attacks on churches and church workers in for a community based on values which Delhi, on 12-12-2015, in a glittering various parts of the country. “I want to assure include a sense of humanity, the protection ceremony organized by All India Council all bishops and cardinals that if you face any of resources and dialogue between cultures of Human problem, contact me directly. I will not allow and religions at a European level.” Rights, any injustice to happen to you,” Singh, who is Vatican Radio Liberties and the second in command in the federal cabinet, Tent Confessions draw Youth to told a Christmas gathering in New Delhi. He Social Justice. The Archbishop Sacrament in South Bishop's Program for January 2016 was nominated On December 17 a line of 30 tents outside for the award by Myeongdong caught the 01: Parish Mass, Agartala the council for attention of tourists and intrigued passerby. 02: YCL Concluding Mass, his outstanding contribution for peace, As one of the celebrations for the Jubilee of Nandanagar harmony, protecting human rights and Mercy and Advent, the “Sacrament of 03: Parish Mass, Mariamnagar service to humanity. The Award titled Reconciliation for Young People” aimed to 04-08: Nagar Havelli Mission trip “Ambassador of Peace" was presented in provide young Catholics the opportunity of confession not in a traditional 08-18: Home Visit the presence of various state dignitaries, legislators, bureaucrats, members of the confessional, but outdoor confessional 20-22: With Fr. Willy Human Rights Commission, Social tents. The event began at 7:30pm, with the 23: SCV Convent & Hostel Activists, Religious Leaders and Social “Time of Reflection” inside Myeongdong Blessing, Baijalbari NGOs. Vatican Radio Cathedral. At the same time, Bible 24: SDB Pre-Novitiate Blessing, Charlemagne Prize awarded to readings and Taizé hymns were played Herma Pope Francis throughout the 30-minute ceremony. Then 26: Bortolli Chapel Blessing, Pope Francis has been awarded the young people were led by volunteers one Tuikarmaw Parish by one for confession. 30 priest, 50 Our Distinguished Visitors volunteers, and 450 young people 27:Our DisBodokasiatinguished V Chapelisitors Blessing, Bodhjungnagar Parish · Fr. Francis Fernandes, SVD, from participated in the event. Cardinal Andrew 30-31: Annual Sabah, Kumarghat Vasai Yeom Soo-Jung and Bishop Peter Chung Soon-Taek took part in hearing the Parish · Fr. Thomas Pampady, SDB, from Shillong confession. Zenit.org

Published at: Jeevajyothi Diocesan Centre, Bishop's House, Airport Road, Durjoynagar, Agartala 799 009, Tripura, Tel:91-381-2342401, Email: [email protected], www.agartaladiocese.org